Harley-Davidson chose EICMA 2026 to unveil the Sprint 440, a motorcycle designed to bring the spirit of the American brand to a new generation of riders through a lighter, more accessible and easy-to-ride model. At the company's stand in Milan, ABC MUNDIAL spoke with Francesco Vanni, Head of Sales & Managing Director EMEA at Harley-Davidson, who explained the philosophy behind the new model and the company's expectations for the European market.

“With the Sprint 440, we have a very clear idea: riding a motorcycle must be fun, but owning a motorcycle must also be simple and easy to manage,” Vanni explained during the interview. He emphasized that the new model retains the look, sound and feel of a genuine Harley-Davidson while introducing features designed to attract a broader audience.

The Sprint 440 features a 440cc single-cylinder engine, air- and oil-cooled, producing 27 horsepower and 38 Nm of torque at low engine speeds. Weighing less than 190 kilograms and featuring a seat height of approximately 67 centimeters, it is designed to make riding easier both in urban environments and for those entering the motorcycle world for the first time. Equipment includes ABS, LED lighting and a 3.5-inch TFT display. Its launch price in Italy is set at €5,790.

Vanni explained that the motorcycle is aimed at young riders and beginners, as well as people returning to motorcycling after a break. However, experienced riders can also enjoy its characteristics. Another important feature is customization: Harley-Davidson offers an extensive range of original accessories and components from launch, allowing owners to personalize the motorcycle's design, functionality and ergonomics according to their preferences and physical needs. “There are no two identical Harley-Davidsons,” Vanni noted, highlighting one of the brand's most distinctive traditions.

During the interview, Vanni also stressed that the Sprint 440 is particularly well suited to the European market, where the company aims to expand its customer base without compromising its identity. Developed in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, the motorcycle represents a new entry point into the Harley-Davidson world while retaining the design elements associated with its traditional models.

But the Sprint 440 is not the only important development. During EICMA 2026, another highly anticipated announcement emerged for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts: the return of the legendary Sportster 883 to the company's lineup. Francesco Vanni confirmed the upcoming comeback in separate statements reported by Italian motorcycle media covering the exhibition. Its expected price positioning is around €11,000, placing it between the new Sprint 440 and Harley-Davidson's larger-displacement models.

With the Sprint 440 and the anticipated return of the Sportster 883, Harley-Davidson is seeking to broaden its appeal to different generations of riders, from newcomers entering the brand for the first time to longtime enthusiasts who have a strong connection with its iconic motorcycles. At EICMA in Milan, the American manufacturer demonstrated that its future strategy also involves attracting new audiences while preserving the identity that made Harley-Davidson a global icon.